A Palmyrene Limestone Relief Circa 3rd Century A.D. 24 x 27 inches. 24 x 34 inches. Property from a Midwest Private Collection Provenance: Royal Athena Galleries, New York, 2002. Note:Unlike the more common funerary relief busts that are forward facing, this relief (now in two parts) is in profile and depicts two merchants, one with saddled horse and the other with loaded camel, engaging in trade. The caravan city of Palmyra was a popular destination for traders along the Silk Road. Goods from both the East and West were frequently exchanged which in turn brought prosperity and wealth to the region. It is probable the deceased for which this relief was commissioned was a wealthy merchant.